Another bank has announced its closure on the Island.

Halifax has confirmed it will be closing its Sheerness branch next year.

The announcement comes just months after the town's Barclays bank also closed.

A Halifax spokesman: “Visits to our Sheerness branch have fallen over recent years as many customers now choose to bank in different ways.

"When the branch closes on May 18 next year, customers can continue to bank with us at our Sittingbourne branch, the local Post Office and access cash at a number of free ATMs nearby.”

The bank's decision comes after it was found that 75% of its personal customers already used other ways of banking such as over the phone, internet banking and other branches.

Since 2017, transactions at the Sheerness branch have fallen by 53%.

The spokesman added: "The nearby Post Office, which is a two to three minute walk away, offers personal and business customers everyday banking services, access to cash, paying in of cheques and more.

"The nearest free-to-use ATM is a one minute walk away and there are several more free-to-use ATMs within a mile of the closing branch.

"Customers can use any Halifax branch for their banking alongside other options such as the Post Office, online, mobile and telephone banking.

"We are contacting customers to let them know about the alternate local banking services available."

Swale Cllr Oliver Eakin (Con, Sheerness) said: "It is a very sad situation that yet another bank is closing on the Island.

"With the increase of online banking unless people make use of their local branches they will continue to close.

"Thankfully, residents will still be able to make use of the Post Office services to do most of their day to day banking."

According to Halifax, the majority of its customers using its Sheerness branch (34%) are aged 55 to 74.

Barclays' premises are now up for rent by RK Real Estate which is run by Ryan Kennedy. The company is trying to dispose of nearly 20 other former Barclays' properties.

The Sheerness site is expected to command a rent of £30,500 a year.